THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 61, 18 April 1914, Page 13

THE THEATRES.

"ALADDIN." To-night '■' Aladdin", will be staged for tlie°last time. With all its attractions and its splendid scenery and dressing, it lias proved to be one of the most spectacular' and pleasing pantomimes seen in.Christclmrch. Last nifi'ht again a fp.H iiousc TTsfched and appiauaed the crorts__o£ clic various principals and choruses. Miss Carrie Moore and Miss T3race~"Pa'lotta cnarnietl in their songs, and the dainty dancing of ,the other members of the company was much appreciated. The wrestling ponies and their large negro accomplice kept the audience in a mirthful mood for some time, and the .turn of the tiny contortionist was also loudly applauded. This evening will be the last opportunity of seeing the pantomime. COLOSSEUM. To-night marks the conclusion of the presentation of "The Last Days of Pompeii'' at the Colosseum. This great drama of old Borne has been deservedly popular, entirely justifying its revival, and those who have not seen it have failed to get one of the most realistic and convincing glimpses of life as it was lived under the Roman civilisation 2UOO years ago. HIS MAJESTY'S. . There will be a change of -programme at His Majesty's Theatre on' ■ Mo an ay night as usual", but the programme which has been drawing good attendances throughout the week is not less attractive now than at the beginning. The pictures shown are: —"The Next feneration," "Anguished Hours," "The Great Steel Beam," "A Bacchanalian Dance," the "Pathc* Gazette," "Sicilian Cities, Grenoble to Aix-les-Bains," "Buuuv for the- Cause,"' and "Max Linder and a Daughter of Albion." The chief feature of Monday's V 1 0 ' irrainme will be a line historical drama showing the career of Napoleon from She time of his coronation as Emperor \o his last days at St. Helena. Mr Alfred Boothman will lecture as the iiJm proceeds, and it will be accompanied by special music played by Ilayward \s orchestra. OPERA HOUSE. To-night is the last night of the present programme at the Opera House. An entirely new assortment of good turns will be given on Monday night, but in the mean-while the turns now being presented afford enough amusement and enjoyment for any reasonable person. There is a galaxy of stars of various magnitudes, but whatever their .magnitude they 'all shine brightly. GLOBE THEATRE. "The 'Speckled Band," the principal picture now beiug shown at the Globe Theatre, is a most fascinating detective etory, abounding in thrills, well constructed, and capably acted. It is based on Conan Doyle's well-known story of the same name, and features' Sherlock Holmes. This popular hero unravels the mystery of a girl's death, and in tpsoving that an unscrupulous stepfather had killed the girl by introducing n sarnil but deadly snake into her room, ho saves the other sister for whom a similar end was designed. Other pictures are: —"The Frontier Doctor,"

"The Vapour Bath," "When Father Had -His Way," and the "Pathe Gazette.''

'SYDENHAM PICTUBES,

Sydenham audiences are .proving that the great drama, "The Last Days of Pompeii," has as much appeal for them as it has had for all other audiences. The picture .is remarkable in the fidelity with which it restores the vanished glories of Imperial Rome, and this historical interest is an attraction added to attractions, for there is also the enthralling interest of the story, the great dramatic situations, and the magnificent and realistic staging. Dceideclly it is not a picture to be missed. GRAND THEATRE. The great historical drama, "Mary, Queen of Scots," now being produced at the Grand Theatre, is a great attraction to that popular house of entertainment. Besides its historical interest and its fine dramatic situations, it has the additional merit of beautiful setting. Other pictures supporting this fine drama are:—"Our Baby," "Mounted Officer Flynn," and the '' Transatlantic Times.'' GEORGKE WILLOUGHBY DRAMATIC COMPANY. The firm of George Willoughby and Co., Ltd., has shown Dominion playgoers what it can do in pantomime, and on Monday night will inaugurate a season of drama at the Theatre Royal by producing "The Beggar Girl's Wedding." For-the most part the players are well known' in New Zealand, and include such talented favourites as Messrs George Cross, Rutland Beckett, Ward Lyons, Arthur Albert, Fred Xchoe, T. ,-E. Tilton, Maurice Nodin, and the Misses Cera Remee, Oriel Hotson, Fanny Erris, and Gwendolyn Dorise. The whole of the scenery and ..effects from the Adelphi Theatre,' Svdney, will be used, and a competent "orchestra will be conducted by Mr Charles Norman. Popular prices are announced. The box plan is at the Dresden, and day sales at Woodward's, and Miss Kobler 's.